Last night, Brian Stokes pitch four scoreless innings in relief, for a ‘save,’ while striking out three batters, walking none and allowing just three hits.

In 9.2 innings this season, he has let up four runs and 10 hits, while striking out 9 and walking one.

He has a nice, hard slider, which goes well with his 95–mph fastball, which combine very nicely for the bullpen.

It would be nice to see Stokes slot in like Darren Oliver did in 2006, pitching not only in long relief, but also filling in against righties on a night when Joe Smith or Aaron Heilman need a night off.

In short, Stokes, who had a 7.07 ERA for the Rays in 2007, could be just what the Mets have been looking for to help out in their bullpen in 2008.